Iran Says Punishment of “Assassins” of Ayatollah Khamenei Is Sovereign Duty

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said that bringing the perpetrators of the assassination of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to justice is a sovereign duty of the Islamic Republic, which will be carried out through what he described as “strategic rationality.” He made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X on Monday.

Aref said the public demand for accountability was reflected in the large turnout at the funeral procession for the late leader and his family members. He added that the calls for justice expressed by mourners represent a legitimate national demand and align with international principles of self-defense.

He further stated that ensuring accountability for those responsible for the attack is a state responsibility. According to him, Iran’s response would be guided by strategic considerations while upholding what he described as the country’s sovereign rights.